Safari Northern Tanzania

Day 1

Your safari adventure begins at your accommodation in either Moshi or Arusha, where you’ll be greeted by your guide and whisked away in a comfortable land cruiser with a pop-up roof. Within an hour, you’ll arrive at the entrance of Arusha National Park, where your exciting journey unfolds. Upon entering the park, you’ll traverse the picturesque landscape, passing by the enchanting ‘Little Serengeti,’ where herds of buffalo and antelope gracefully roam, accompanied by the playful antics of rooting warthogs. As we venture deeper into the savannah, our path leads us through scrubland towards the captivating Ngurdoto Crater. Along the way, keep a keen eye out for the majestic presence of elephants, often concealed amidst the dense undergrowth, adding an element of thrill to our expedition. Upon reaching the crater rim, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before us, with buffalo grazing on the plains below and, on clear days, the towering silhouette of Mount Meru looming in the distance. Continuing our journey, we traverse through wooded areas teeming with diverse wildlife, including the graceful movements of giraffes grazing in the open savannah. Our next stop takes us to the tranquil shores of the Momela Lakes, where we embark on a serene canoe excursion, gliding across the glistening waters adorned with a myriad of water birds, from pelicans to flamingos, and perhaps even catching a glimpse of hippos if luck is on our side. After the tranquil canoe trip, we retreat to a scenic viewpoint to indulge in a delightful picnic lunch, surrounded by panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see, including the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. Energized by our meal, we continue our exploration, meandering along the lakeshores to observe more waterfowl and other grazing wildlife. As the day draws to a close, we leisurely make our way towards the park’s exit, tracing the foot of Mount Meru, before finally retiring to the comfort of Ilboru Lodge in Arumeru. Here, we cap off our day of adventure with a sumptuous three-course dinner, and if time permits, a refreshing dip in the inviting pool awaits us.

Another possibility for an excursion on this day is a walking safari with a ranger in the park. You will encounter giraffes, buffalo, antelope and divers. If you really succeeded, elephants too.

Day 2

After a delectable breakfast, we embark on our journey to Lake Manyara National Park. After a few hours of travel, we arrive at the park entrance, where we proceed with the check-in process. Once inside, we traverse through the lush forested areas in search of the elusive tree-climbing lions, a unique sight to behold. Amidst the natural splendor of the park, we pause for a delightful picnic lunch, savoring the flavors amidst the wilderness. Continuing our exploration, we take various detours that lead us along the tranquil shores of Lake Manyara, where we witness the serene beauty of the landscape and encounter an array of wildlife, from graceful gazelles to majestic giraffes. Venturing further, we navigate through the savannah terrain, observing herds of grazers peacefully grazing in their natural habitat. As we approach the forest’s edge, the chance encounter with elephants adds an element of excitement to our adventure. As the day draws to a close, we make our way to the hippo pool, where we are treated to the sight of these magnificent creatures basking in the waters, accompanied by the harmonious melodies of numerous water birds. With hearts full of exhilarating experiences from the day’s adventures, we retire to the comfort of Isoitok Camp, nestled amidst the enchanting Maasai area. Here, we indulge in a culinary extravaganza, delighting in a high-quality dinner complemented by exquisite wines. As night falls, the distant echoes of howling hyenas serenade us, adding a touch of wilderness to our tranquil evening.

Day 3

Following a hearty breakfast, we embark on our journey towards the majestic Serengeti. En route, we make a stop at a scenic viewpoint, offering breathtaking vistas of the picturesque Lake Manyara. Continuing our drive, we traverse through the Ngorongoro Protected Area, ascending the crater rim, and eventually descending into the vast expanse of the Serengeti. Upon reaching the entrance at Naabi Hill, we pause for a delightful picnic lunch amidst the captivating wilderness surroundings. Our journey continues at a leisurely pace towards Seronera, passing by the iconic rock formations known as “cups,” where lions often bask in the golden sunlight. With luck on our side, we may have the thrilling opportunity to encounter a majestic leopard near the Seronera river. As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow across the horizon, we arrive at Zawadi Camp. Here, we unwind with refreshing drinks by the crackling campfire, soaking in the tranquil ambiance as the African sky is painted with hues of red and gold. Following this serene interlude, we indulge in a delectable dinner, savoring the flavors of the bush under the enchanting canopy of stars. As night falls, we are serenaded by the melodious symphony of Africa, a harmonious blend of nocturnal sounds that lull us into a restful slumber beneath the vast celestial expanse.

Day 4

Today presents us with an entire day to immerse ourselves in the wonders of the Serengeti. With ample time at our disposal, we set out in search of magnificent prides of lions, the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration, elusive leopards, and swift cheetahs. Along the way, we are greeted by a plethora of wildlife, including graceful gazelles, majestic impalas, vibrant bird species, iconic zebras, towering giraffes, formidable buffaloes, and majestic elephants. Indeed, the Serengeti epitomizes the quintessential African safari experience. With luck on our side, we may even have the privilege of encountering the elusive rhinoceros, completing the coveted sighting of the big five in a single day. As we traverse the sweeping landscapes, we seek out a picturesque spot in the park to indulge in our picnic lunch, surrounded by the untamed beauty of nature. Alternatively, we can opt to dine at the visitor center, where we can delve into the rich history of the Serengeti. As the day draws to a close, we make our way back to Zawadi Camp, where another enchanting evening awaits us under the vast expanse of the African starlit sky. Here, amidst the serene ambiance of the bush, we reflect on the day’s adventures and bask in the tranquility of our surroundings, grateful for the unforgettable experiences that the Serengeti has bestowed upon us.

Day 5

Today, we rise with the sun, savoring a quick cup of tea or coffee before embarking on our journey before dawn breaks. This early hour offers us the opportunity to witness nature’s most breathtaking moments and increases our chances of witnessing a thrilling wildlife encounter, perhaps even witnessing a lion in pursuit of a wildebeest. As the sky begins to light up with the hues of dawn, we are treated to a spectacle of unparalleled beauty, setting the tone for the adventures that lie ahead. Our exploration continues as we traverse the Seronera River, where the abundance of wildlife is sure to captivate our senses. After a fulfilling morning amidst the wilderness, we return to camp for a leisurely brunch, replenishing our energy for the journey ahead. Our path leads us back towards the protected sanctuary of the Ngorongoro area, where we ascend the crater rim and make our way to Karatu, a quaint town nestled just outside Ngorongoro. Our accommodation for the night is at Ngorongoro Farmhouse, a charming retreat surrounded by lush coffee plantations. Here, we indulge in a delightful happy hour followed by a sumptuous dinner by the crackling fire. As the evening descends and the chill sets in, rest assured that warmth awaits us, with the comforting glow of the fire accompanying us even within the confines of our rooms, ensuring a cozy and restful night’s sleep.

Day 6

Once again, we rise with the dawn, indulging in an early breakfast to ensure an early departure as we embark on our journey to the extraordinary Ngorongoro Crater. This natural wonder boasts an unparalleled concentration of wildlife, offering us the opportunity to encounter entire prides of lions, complete with playful cubs, and witness majestic elephants displaying their impressive tusks. As we traverse the crater’s rim, we are greeted by the sight of buffalo herds grazing peacefully, while hippos bask in the cool waters below. The vibrant hues of flamingos adorn the shores, adding to the picturesque landscape. Our exploration takes us on a circuit around the crater, providing us with ample opportunities to marvel at the diverse array of wildlife that call this crater home. With luck on our side, we may even catch a glimpse of a rhinoceros, completing our quest to witness the iconic Big Five. After immersing ourselves in the splendor of the crater for half the day, we bid farewell to this remarkable sanctuary and make our way to the stunning Maramboi Lodge. Arriving just in time, we take advantage of the refreshing pool overlooking Lake Manyara, where drinks and snacks await us as we soak in the mesmerizing sunset—a truly enchanting moment. Following this magical interlude, we indulge in a delectable dinner, served either indoors or outdoors on the deck of the elegantly adorned dining room. As the night falls, we retire to our beautifully appointed rooms, offering a harmonious blend of canvas and stone, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep amidst the serene surroundings.

Day 7

We awaken to the gentle murmurs of the wildebeest surrounding our tent, as the first rays of sunlight cast a golden hue over the savannah, accompanied by the melodious symphony of the morning chorus. Breakfast is savored under the warm embrace of the sun, before we embark on our final game drive. Today, our journey takes us to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its vast herds of elephants. Along the way, we encounter a myriad of wildlife, set against the backdrop of towering baobab trees, creating a picturesque scene straight out of an African dream. While the likelihood of spotting big cats may not rival that of the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, Tarangire’s charm lies in its serene beauty and diverse ecosystems. We pause for lunch, overlooking the tranquil Tarangire River, a serene oasis amidst the wilderness. As the afternoon wanes, we reluctantly bid farewell to this enchanting landscape, as we make our way back to Arusha or Moshi, reminiscing on the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories created during our exploration of the Northern Parks of Tanzania.

Extend this trip with a tour to the famous rivercrossings in North Serengeti, a climb of Kilimanjaro, a trip to the less visited West Kilimanjaro and/or a beach holiday in Zanzibar.